My intent it not to honor war or the politics that often fester their eruption. My purpose here is not to talk of what to do about foreign tyrants or those that carry out evil against their countrymen. This is not a monologue of what is right and wrong and what should have or should not have been done. What I put here today, one day after Veteran’s Day is my tribute to the men and women who willingly have gone into the darkness of battle and conflict in the name of country, family and countrymen.
A Soldier’s Prayer By Joanna Fuchs
Lord, wrap your arms around me
In this hostile, brutal place;
Let me draw peace and comfort
From your restful, sweet embrace.
Help me do my duty
To uphold what is right;
Give me strength and courage
Each day and every night.
Lord, hear this soldier’s prayer
To You in heaven above;
Protect me with your power,
And sustain me with your love.
Often I have thought it was good fortune not to have been drafted to serve in the war of my youth: Vietnam. My friends and family who went came back mostly whole, but for so many that was not true. Well aware I am of how the men and women who were called to go there never received the credit, honor or respect due them. I was against that war, but never against those who served. Any time I see a Vet wearing something that indicates he/she served in ‘Nam I always thank them for their service. To a person each and every one has been grateful. Every single one! Far too little appreciation has been given to those people.
Taken from “Welcome Home and I Love You!” by Eileen Breedlove
When you pass by a Vet
that made it home,
or hear of a brother
that is lost in Nam.
Open your hearts
and show them respect.
They gave of themselves
and they did their best.
WELCOME HOME!
Taken from “In Your Honor” by Anonymous
Unselfishly, you left your fathers and your mothers.
You left behind your sisters and your brothers.
Leaving your beloved children and wives,
You put on hold, your dreams, your lives.
On foreign soil, you found yourself planted
To fight for those whose freedom you granted.
Without your sacrifice, their cause would be lost
But you carried onward, no matter the cost.
When it was over, you all came back home
Some were left with memories to face alone.
Those who survived were forever scarred
Emotionally, physically, permanently marred.
With a hand upon my heart, I feel
The pride and respect; my reverence is revealed.
Every day, I give my utmost admiration
To those who fought to defend our nation.
For all U.S. personnel who served in Vietnam or were deployed before or after to fight, protect or advise in places like Nicaragua, El Salvador, Grenada, Iraq, Panama, Kuwait, Somalia, Serbia, Bosnia, Afghanistan and all the other locales known and the ones we likely will never know: THANK YOU. You have my deep respect and gratitude.
In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.
José Narosky
First Posted on November 12, 2011
Good Morning Gratitude 